Eastern Oregon ranchers step up sage-grouse protections

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Oregon ranchers have agreed to an arrangement that will help protect the sage-grouse species that thrives in the state’s eastern section.

The ranchers are working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Harney Soil and Water Conservation District on the project. The sides have formed a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances through which landowners voluntarily agree to manage their lands to remove or reduce threats to a species.

In return, they’ll receive assurances against additional regulatory requirements if the sage-grouse is ever listed under the Endangered Species Act.

“The CCAA gives landowners an opportunity to maintain grazing and other traditional agricultural uses on their land and protect those uses should an ESA listing occur,” said Stacy Davies, manager of Roaring Springs Ranch in a release.